Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Liverpool but played only four Premier League matches and 109 minutes for the club, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said today [1, 2].
Villa had an obligation to buy Elliott for £35 million if he appeared in 10 league games, but he fell short of that mark. Elliott's only Premier League start came in September against Fulham when he was substituted at halftime. He last played in the league for Villa in February and had not appeared since [1].
Emery called the loan spell "something embarrassing for everyone involved in it." He apologized for Elliott’s situation and said both Villa and Liverpool share responsibility. "My apologies for Harvey Elliott are every day in my mind," Emery said. "But it is the responsibility. We have our responsibility and Liverpool have their responsibility [2]."
Villa wanted Elliott to return to Liverpool in January, but the two clubs could not reach an agreement on terms [1]. Liverpool coach Arne Slot confirmed Elliott will return to his parent club next season. Slot noted, "For him, for everyone, it didn't work out as he wanted it, as we wanted it and probably also how Villa wanted it, because you usually sign a player or bring him in on loan to use him. That hasn't happened a lot... It's always a pity if a player hardly plays for two years, let alone a player of that age that has shown during the Euros that he's such a good player" [2].
Elliott, who won the UEFA Under-21 European Championship with England in summer 2025 and was named player of the tournament, had hoped the loan would help him break into England’s senior World Cup squad. However, teammate Elliot Anderson has established himself instead [1].
The midfielder has drawn interest from Premier League and European clubs but is not expected to be part of Liverpool’s plans while Slot remains in charge [1].
Elliott is officially contracted to Liverpool and will rejoin the squad ahead of the 2026–27 season [2].
